Editor of Hotspot Network: At 0:00 Beijing time on December 25, according to the "Houston Chronicle", after introducing Ron Artest before the season, the Houston Rockets have made another big deal. They traded Steve Francis, a former top player of the team, to the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for a conditional draft pick in 2011. The Rockets also returned a 2009 draft pick that they had previously obtained from the Grizzlies. With this, the destination of Big Brother Francis has finally been settled, and he has found a new home. >> What are your thoughts on the Rockets trading Steve Francis? Please provide your comments.
Steve Francis joined the NBA as the second overall pick in the 1999 draft, and the team that selected him was the Memphis Grizzlies. However, because Francis was unwilling to play for this weak team that everyone looked down upon and considered to have no future, the Grizzlies were forced to trade him to the Houston Rockets.
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From 1999 to 2004, during five seasons, Steve Francis played for the Houston Rockets and achieved brilliant results: three All-Star selections, second place in the Slam Dunk Contest, one Rookie of the Year award, three-time team scoring leader, five-time team assist leader, and four-time team steal leader. Francis accumulated a series of dazzling statistics and titles, leaving the best years of his career in Houston. His flamboyant playing style and passionate performances in games deeply endeared him to fans.
However, good times didn't last long. This former All-Star starter faced the tragic situation of having his contract bought out in 2004. Since Jeff Van Gundy took over in Houston, this coach who favored inside play and defense laid the groundwork for Francis's departure. Francis liked to rely on his personal ability to challenge opponents and play freely; whereas Van Gundy required the team to pass the ball to the inside players and win games steadily. Due to dissatisfaction with tactical arrangements, the conflict between Francis and Van Gundy continued to escalate. In late June 2004, the frustrated Francis was traded to the Orlando Magic, thus beginning his wandering days in the NBA.
Over his nine-year career, Steve Francis played for the Rockets, Magic, and Knicks, averaging 18.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 6 assists per game. In the summer of 2007, he was traded by the Knicks to the Trail Blazers and then bought out. He actively expressed his willingness to return to the Rockets, and the return of the former Big Brother once thrilled countless Rockets fans. Fans believed that he could help Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady break through the first round of the playoffs and even go further. Unfortunately, Rockets head coach Rick Adelman showed no interest in this former No. 1 player in Houston. Despite the loud calls from fans, he decisively banished the former leader to the bench. Last season, he only played 10 games for the Rockets, starting 3, with his average stats dropping to 5.5 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 3 assists per game, all the lowest in his NBA career. Up to this season, Francis hasn't even had a single chance to appear in a game.
After this trade, the total salary cap of the Rockets will be below the luxury tax threshold, allowing them to sign other players under certain conditions. According to expert analysis, this trade by the Rockets is likely a preparation to re-sign Dikembe Mutombo.